Chapter 4: The Explosion Accident

1

 

“Hello!”

“Hello!”

“Hello!”

The bell chimes with a soft clink-clank, and I glance toward the entrance. Customers have arrived. Standing there are three adorable girls: Misora, Tatsuki, and Mei.

“Yo, welcome!”

All three are dressed in breezy T-shirts, perfect for the warm day.

“Feels like it’s been forever since we last saw each other,” Misora says, looking up at me with a grin.

“Misora-chan, didn’t we just see each other at Mahiru’s birthday party?”

“That’s not what I mean! I’m talking about how we haven’t hung out lately.”

“Yeah, you’ve got a point there.”

During summer break, we were practically meeting every morning after their radio calisthenics, shooting hoops together at the park. But now that the new semester’s started, it’s not so easy to sync up.

The kids’ school hours clash with the time I’m free in the morning. So, I’ve been left to wander the park alone or practice free throws, feeling a bit lonely.

“So, Yuu-san, let’s play some basketball!”

Tatsuki holds up the basketball she’s carrying, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

“Sounds good, but I’m on break at four, so hang tight until then.”

It’s only about fifteen minutes until four.

“Got it!”

“Got it!”

“Got it!”

The three settle at a table by the wall, sipping drinks while they wait.

“I’ll have a cola,” Misora declares.

“Cider for me,” Tatsuki chimes in.

“Calpis, please,” Mei adds softly.

“Got it. Cola for Misora-chan, cider for Tatsuki-chan, and Calpis for Mei-chan.”

I head to the kitchen to prepare their orders.

“Here you go!”

As they sip their drinks, the three girls dive into chatter.

Watching them like this brings back memories. Back when Miya and her friends were just snot-nosed first-graders, they’d sit around a table just like this, yammering away. But now they’re third-graders, and their conversations have taken on a slightly more grown-up edge.

“Ugh, don’t you think the boys have been getting way too full of themselves lately?” Misora grumbles.

“Right? They keep picking fights over nothing,” Tatsuki nods in agreement.

“And, like, doesn’t Yamada keep targeting Mei in tag and dodgeball?”

Misora turns to Mei as she says this.

“Do you think he hates me…?” Mei mumbles, her voice tinged with worry.

“No way! We’ve got your back, don’t worry,” Misora reassures her.

“Thanks, you two,” Mei says, her face lighting up.

At their age, the lines between boys and girls start to shift. They used to play together without a second thought, but now they’re becoming aware of each other, which leads to awkward moments or even little rivalries.

Boys start feeling shy about hanging out with girls but still want to connect, so they tease or act mean to get attention.

The girls, oblivious to the boys’ intentions, brush them off as immature and end up being a bit harsh in return.

Still, it’s all part of growing up.

Listening to their chatter, I can’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia. I had those days too, didn’t I? Bet that Yamada kid’s got a crush on Mei.

Soon, the melody of Mount Fuji echoes through the town, signaling the time.

“It’s four o’clock!” Misora announces.

The three chug the last of their drinks and leap to their feet.

“Let’s go!”

Mei grabs my hand, her small fingers slightly cool from holding her glass.

“Hold on, let me take off my apron.”

I step outside with the trio. The sky is a vivid blue, dotted with fluffy clouds. The western horizon is starting to turn a faint yellow—sunset’s not far off.

“I learned a new move!” Misora says, looking up at me with a confident smirk.

“I’m totally gonna win today!”

“Oh, I’m looking forward to that.”

“I’ve gotten better at my roll turn too!” Tatsuki says, bouncing the ball on the ground.

“Like this—whoosh!”

She twists her body on the street, showing off a smooth roll turn, her black ponytail swishing through the air.

“Hey, hey, don’t do that on the road—it’s dangerous!”

We reach the park. It’s buzzing with kids, but lucky for us, the basketball hoop is free.

“Alright, until five, then.”

“Got it!”

“Got it!”

“Got it!”

On my way home from school, I stop by Moonnight Terrace as usual.

“Hello!”

“Oh, Miya-chan, welcome!”

“Welcome!”

“Huh? Where’s Yuu-nii, Auntie?”

Normally, Yuu-nii would greet me with that laid-back smile of his, but it’s just Uncle and Auntie here today.

“Yuu’s on break right now.”

“Is he in his room?”

“No, he stepped out to play basketball with Misora-chan and the others.”

“With Misora?”

“Yup, along with Tatsuki-chan and Mei-chan. They left at four, so you just missed them.”

I glance at the clock—it’s 4:04 p.m. Well, since I’m here, maybe I’ll join them. Sure, Misora and her friends are just kids, but it’s the perfect chance to show off my big-sister skills.

“Guess I’ll head over too.”

“What about your studies, Miya-chan?”

“I’ll do them when I get back.”

I drop my bag in Yuu-nii’s room and head to the park.

“Hup!”

“What!?”

The ball slips through my legs, zipping to Misora, who cuts in at an angle. I spin around to block her, but it’s too late—her layup swishes through the net.

“Heh heh! Nailed it!”

“So that’s your new move, huh? A between-the-legs pass.”

“Pretty awesome, right?”

That’s a tricky one she’s picked up. With our height difference, it’s easy for a kid like her to slip the ball through an adult’s legs.

“It’s impressive, but it’s got me a little on edge…”

“?”

The thought of her missing and accidentally smacking that giant ball into my balls makes me wince. We keep playing, the four of us having a blast, when a familiar voice calls out from somewhere nearby.

“Yo!”

That lazy, carefree tone… could it be…?

“Onee!” Misora’s eyes go wide.

“Yo!”

I follow their gaze and spot Miya jogging toward us, still in her school uniform, waving as she approaches.

“Miya? What’re you doing here?”

Did she just happen to swing by after school? Though, it’s odd that she’s empty-handed.

“I stopped by the shop, and they said you were playing basketball here, so I came to join.”

“…What about your studies?”

“I’ll do them when I get back.”

“Onee, what’re you even here for?” Misora asks, looking a bit miffed.

“What do you think, dummy?”

“Wanna join, Miya-san?” Tatsuki asks.

“Heck yeah!”

“Ugh, no way, Onee is terrible at this,” Misora groans.

“What was that, Misora?” Miya snaps back.

“It’s true, isn’t it?”

“Hold up, Miya, you can actually play basketball?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

“How rude! We used to play here all the time, remember?”

“Oh, yeah, that’s right.”

Back when Miya and her friends were in first grade, we’d shoot hoops here at the park all the time.

“Still, you’re in loafers.”

Is that really okay? Miya’s athletic skills are… let’s just say, not exactly top-tier.

“Geez, Onee, just don’t drag us down, okay?”

“I got it, I got it.”

“Alright, let’s split into teams and play.”

If we had one more person, we could’ve done a proper three-on-three, but no such luck with random friends passing by. So, we settle for a three-on-two game, balancing the teams: me and Mei versus Miya, Misora, and Tatsuki.

“Onee, pass!”

“Whoa!”

Miya fumbles the ball for a second but manages to dodge Mei and take a shot. Her movements are painfully slow, though—

“Hiyah!”

I easily swat her shot away.

“Hey, what gives, Yuu-nii?!” Miya protests.

“You’re way too slow.”

It takes her a full five seconds to line up her shot.

“You were better at this back in the day, weren’t you?”

“Hmph, no way!”

Our turn to attack.

I pass to Mei and make a break for the basket. Miya and Tatsuki mark me tightly. Ideally, I’d get the ball back, but Misora’s defense is sharp, and Mei can’t find an opening. Misora wins the matchup handily.

“Sorry!” Mei says, looking guilty.

“No worries, let’s switch it up for the next one.”

“Right!”

Miya’s team attacks again.

“Miya-san, pass!”

“Okay, hup, ei!”

Miya takes the ball from Tatsuki, dribbling awkwardly past Mei before going for a layup. Her movements are so sluggish that, even coming from the opposite side, I think I can make it in time to block.

I leap at an angle. Miya jumps toward the basket at almost the same moment. I reach out to knock the ball away and manage to disrupt her shot.

“Wah!”

But—I jumped too hard, and my body doesn’t stop. Neither does Miya’s.

Wait a sec.

This feels familiar.

Right, this happened when I played basketball with Mahiru.

Determined to avoid a repeat of that incident, I twist my body to steer clear of Miya—especially her, uh, generous chest.

And then, our bodies collide in midair.

“Ouch!”

“Whoa!”

We both lost our balance and landed on our butts, but I was relieved. It was just my chest bumping into Miya’s left shoulder. No awkward repeat of that moment, thank goodness.

Mei retrieved the ball for us. Our turn to attack next.

“Phew.”

“Oww, c’mon, Yuu-nii!”

“Whoops, my bad, my bad…!”

I froze in shock.

Miya, sprawled on the ground with her legs spread wide. She’s in her school uniform, which means—naturally—a skirt.

The worst part? Our positions. We’re facing each other, butts planted on the ground. The faint glimmer of pure white peeking from the shadowy depths of her skirt was practically inevitable in my line of sight—

I quickly looked away.

“Huh? Oh!”

Noticing my reaction, Miya realized the situation. She scrambled to her feet, clamped her legs shut, and pressed her skirt down with both hands.

“Y-you idiot, Yuu-nii!”

Her face flushed crimson, her voice trembling.

“S-sorry! It wasn’t on purpose, I swear!”

“…Did you see?”

Miya fixed me with a piercing stare.

“W-well, uh…”

“P-pervert!”

“It’s a misunderstanding, I swear!”

After that, I ended up promising to treat Miya to coffee for a whole week.

Lesson learned.

Never play basketball in a skirt.

 

2

 

Hiyuri Girls’ Academy High School, lounge space.

Dimly lit, with tables spaced widely apart. The walls were lined with mosaic-style paneling, and the floor was covered in deep crimson carpet. A counter stood at the far end, where an elegant elderly woman, the master, stood quietly.

If you listened closely, the faint, low hum of jazz music soothed the soul. The cozy, speakeasy-like atmosphere was where students came to unwind from the day’s studies and recharge.

Sitting by the window, I took a sip of hot cocoa. Gazing at the moon floating in the night’s darkness, I savored the gentle sweetness spreading across my tongue.

“Mmm…”

It’s delicious, but it tastes a hundred times better at Moonnight Terrace.

It’s not about the quality—it’s that no matter what I eat or drink, my heart feels empty without Yuu-nii here.

“Haah…”

The weekend was so much fun. Saturday was Mahiru-chan’s birthday party, and Sunday was a date with just Yuu-nii at Nihondaira Zoo…

“Haah…”

These five days without seeing Yuu-nii are torture. As each day passes, I grow more restless, and by the end, my chest is so full of anxiety I can barely sleep. It’s like withdrawal symptoms for a drug addict—my body craves Yuu-nii.

If I’d known it’d be this bad, I would’ve insisted on going to school in Fujinomiya, no matter how selfish it seemed. But the strange thing is, the moment I see Yuu-nii, all these feelings melt away. Humans are such curious creatures.

Ugh, I can’t wait for the weekend.

“Gendouji-san, are you going out again this weekend?”

My classmate, Tenryuuji-san, sat across from me with an orange juice in hand.

“Yes, Tenryuuji-san.”

I replied.

“…”

“What?”

“Gendouji-san, did you… get a boyfriend over the summer?”

“Huh?”

Tenryuuji-san shot me a sharp, almost accusatory glare.

“I mean, you’ve been so cheerful since summer break ended, and you’re always out on weekends.”

“…Hehe.”

I gave her a small smile.

“That confident attitude! I knew it!”

Strictly speaking, Yuu-nii isn’t just a boyfriend—he’s my entire world. But explaining that is tricky, so I’ll let her think what she wants. Besides, the word “boyfriend” doesn’t sound half bad.

Tenryuuji-san put on a fake sob.

“We swore as Hiyuri ladies to protect our purity together! Traitor!”

“No, no, my purity’s still—”

“Himura-san and Yanaginomiya-san both got boyfriends this summer too, and now even you’re leaving me behind?!”

Her fake crying turned real, tears streaming down her face. She seemed genuinely upset at being outpaced by her friends.

“There, there.”

“I want a boyfriend too!”

“But Tenryuuji-san, don’t you have Sugita-san from Kaiser?”

Kaiser is a young male voice actor group that Kujou-san was obsessed with. Tenryuuji-san got dragged to a handshake event out of curiosity and ended up hooked. Apparently, she’s a huge fan of their leader, Sugita Daisuke.

Not that I get it—I’m only interested in Yuu-nii, so other guys don’t even register.

“My bias and a boyfriend are completely different!”

“Easy, easy.”

It took a good fifteen minutes to calm Tenryuuji-san as she sobbed into the table. Finally, she lifted her head, eyes red and puffy, and pouted.

“So, what’s he like? High schooler? College guy?”

“That’s… a secret.”

“A secret, huh?”

I’m still a high schooler, and for Yuu-nii’s social standing, it’s probably best to keep things under wraps.

“Where’d you meet him?”

“Well, it’s not like we met over the summer. We’ve known each other for a long time.”

“Wait, who confessed first?”

“Me.”

“Whoa, Gendouji-san’s a secret carnivore?”

“No, no, nothing like that.”

Tenryuuji-san leaned in and whispered.

“So, how was it? Does it… hurt?”

“Huh?”

“Don’t play dumb! You got a boyfriend over the summer, so, like, something had to happen, right?”

Her face flushed, a mix of curiosity and fear in her eyes as she stared at me.

“Oh, uh…”

That night in Shonan, when I poured my feelings out to Yuu-nii… My lower stomach fluttered at the memory.

“W-what’s it like?”

“What’s it like…?”

Strictly speaking, we stopped just short that night, but we got so close that maybe it counts, right?

“Pfft, piece of cake.”

I pushed my glasses up with a smug finger.

“Whoa…”

Tenryuuji-san gazed at me with awe, then leaned back in her chair, looking almost intimidated.

“Such… adult vibes.”

“Heh.”

Feeling oddly proud, I puffed out my chest a little.

After about an hour of tea time with Tenryuuji-san, I returned to my room and took a bath.

“Phew.”

I sat on the edge of my bed.

I’d played it cool in front of Tenryuuji-san, but my heart wasn’t calm at all. Five days from Monday to Friday—it’s just too long.

Missing Yuu-nii is painful enough, but that’s not my only worry.

A single photo posted in the group chat with me, Miya-chan, Mahiru-chan, and Yuu-nii.

(Miya-chan) Sooo pretty!

Along with Miya-chan’s comment was a photo of a night view sent to the group chat. The cityscape of Fujinomiya sparkling in the dark.

Apparently, she and Yuu-nii went for a drive to Mount Fuji and stopped at a spot with a stunning view.

I’m so jealous. I want to gaze at a romantic night view with Yuu-nii too.

I only get to see Yuu-nii on Saturdays and Sundays—just two days. But Miya-chan gets to go to Moonnight Terrace every day to study.

“Lucky Miya-chan.”

The gap is just too big.

I’d warned Miya-chan before to avoid anything that could cause misunderstandings, for Yuu-nii’s social standing. But at this rate, she’s probably forgotten all about it.

While I’m stuck in Kanagawa, Miya-chan’s natural charm might kick in, and she could get closer to Yuu-nii. She’s a total beauty, after all. Plus, that innate little-sister vibe she has—the kind that makes you want to take care of her—definitely tugs at Yuu-nii’s protective instincts.

The more those two are alone, the more dangerous it gets.

I only have two days a week to work with.

To win Yuu-nii over in that short time, I’ll need a solid strategy…

＊

“Hehe.”

I snipped away with scissors, cutting out a photo.

Yuu-nii’s face, neatly trimmed into an oval. Not bad, if I do say so myself. I tucked it into the locket pendant Yuu-nii gave me. Perfect fit.

“Heh heh!”

The pendant gleamed golden under the lamplight. I stared at it for a while until—ping—my phone chimed. A message from Miya in the group chat.

(Miya) Done studying!

Looks like Miya was studying in Yuu-nii’s room at Moonnight Terrace again today.

“Lucky Miya.”

She gets to waltz into Yuu-nii’s room under the pretense of studying. Not that she needs to hold back—she’s just being her usual self.

I want to drop by after club practice too, but lately, we’ve been training late, and with meetings for Spring High, I barely have time.

(Asaka) Good job! Asaka replied.

“…Asaka.”

Come this weekend, Asaka will probably show up in Fujinomiya again.

Last week was the zoo. Where’s she dragging him this time? Knowing Asaka, she might pull something as bold as she did in Shonan.

While I’m swamped with club stuff, Asaka’s closing the gap with Yuu-nii. If I’m not careful, they’ll be dating before I know it, and I’ll be too late. That’d be the absolute worst.

But…

(Asaka) You’ll cheer for me, right?

I couldn’t bring myself to tell her the truth. That I love Yuu-nii too, so I can’t root for her.

I’m such a coward for not taking that step.

Just sitting back and watching won’t get me anywhere. The world isn’t that kind.

If you want something, you have to move.

You have to reach for what you want…

“Haah…”

I flopped onto my bed, clutching the pendant.

“If only it were that easy.”

If I told Yuu-nii how I feel, our relationship would change forever. But if I stay quiet, I’ll just be stuck watching Asaka steal him away.

(Mahiru) Good work! I sent a reply too.

Two more days until Saturday.

＊

“Ughhh.”

I stretched hard, loosening up my body.

“Nnn.”

I’d been hunched over the table studying for so long, my body’s stiff as a board. I downed the rest of my café au lait and stood up—only to realize my foot was asleep. I collapsed onto the floor in an awkward heap.

“What are you doing?”

Yuu-nii, reading a paperback on his bed, gave me an exasperated look.

“M-my foot’s asleep!”

“…Hah.. here.”

With a light tap, Yuu-nii kicks the sole of my foot.

“Eek!”

A tingle races from my toes to the top of my head.

“C’mon, c’mon!”

“Eeeek!”

“Hahaha!”

“You… you jerk!”

“Sorry, sorry!”

It took about five minutes for the tingling to subside. Honestly, Yuu-nii’s playful teasing is such a hassle sometimes.

“Yuu-nii, give me a ride home!”

“Sure thing.”

It’s seven-thirty. The sky outside is already pitch dark. The night breeze feels refreshing.

I climb into Yuu-nii’s car and sink deep into the seat.

“Miya, put on your seatbelt.”

“Oh, right.”

I check my phone and see replies from Mahiru and Asaka: Good job! and Nice work! I want to hang out with everyone again soon. Can’t the weekend come faster? I send a quick message: Heading home with Yuu-nii now.

 

３

 

Friday.

The sun’s starting to dip, and the shop’s getting busy with students heading home from school and housewives finishing their shopping. I work briskly, but my ears are always perked, tuned in.

Next up, we follow a group of high school girls aiming for the Spring High tournament.

Hearing that, Mom stops in her tracks and turns toward the TV mounted on the wall.

“Oh, isn’t this it?”

I glance at the screen too. It’s the evening local news program.

We went straight to the girls dedicating their youth to volleyball.

A cheerful female announcer says with a smile, and the footage shifts, filling the screen with a familiar sight.

Against the majestic backdrop of Mount Fuji, the red torii gate of Sengen Shrine comes into view.

Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture. In this town at the foot of the World Heritage Site Mount Fuji, girls are pouring their youth into volleyball—

The customers perk up at the mention of “Fujinomiya City,” their eyes glued to the TV.

For about five seconds, the streets of Fujinomiya flash across the screen before cutting to Kita High’s tree-lined path, the school building, and then the second gymnasium.

Footage of the girls’ volleyball team practicing plays, and when I spot Mahiru among them, Mom lets out a squeal.

“There! Mahiru-chan was on just now, Yuu, did you see?”

“Yeah, she’s way too hyped up.”

Even as I say it, I feel a restless excitement bubbling inside me.

It’s a weird feeling.

Mahiru told me the other day that a TV crew had visited Kita High’s girls’ volleyball team, and their segment was airing today. Kita High’s team is a powerhouse, known nationwide, so it’s not uncommon for local news to cover high school athletes. But when it’s our town’s school—my old alma mater, no less—being broadcast, I can’t help but feel a bit jittery. And knowing Mahiru might be on TV? Of course I’m on edge.

“Is it recording properly? Honey, go check!”

“Got it.”

Dad, usually quiet and laid-back, moves like a ninja, darting upstairs and back in a flash.

“It’s recording fine.”

“Phew, thank goodness.”

Since we don’t know exactly when the segment will air, we’re recording the whole program.

We watch the TV with bated breath. As practice footage rolls, the narrator explains Kita High.

Kita High’s girls’ volleyball team is a powerhouse with multiple national tournament appearances, also known as the alma mater of Japan’s national team player, Koharun, or Hanayama Koharu. Last year, they fell just short—

“Ugh, come on, show more of Mahiru-chan!”

Mom gripes about the camera work.

“Don’t be unreasonable… Hanayama Koharu?”

That name rings a bell. Where’ve I heard it before…

“Excuse me, can I place an order?”

“Oh, sure!”

I hurry to take the order at a table. Mom and Dad are so engrossed in the TV that their hands have slowed down, so I’m picking up the slack.

Finally, Mahiru appears on-screen with a caption below: Third Year, Ryuushaku Mahiru.

We spoke with team captain Ryuushaku Mahiru-san.

“There’s Mahiru-chan!”

“Quiet down, Mom.”

Mahiru looks a bit stiff on-screen, probably nervous, her expression tense. But her answers are clear and confident, showing her captain’s poise.

Yes, for us third-years, this is our last tournament, so we’re practicing hard to have no regrets and tackle the Spring High with all our strength as a team.

Watching Mahiru’s interview, I feel like my heart’s being squeezed tight. This is being broadcast across Shizuoka, so I’m worrying she won’t stumble over her words or say something weird… Wait, this isn’t live. Why am I even stressing?

More footage of Mahiru practicing follows, including a scene of her smashing a spike, as the narrator introduces her.

Ryuushaku-san has been a regular since her first year, a key player for the team. She’s reportedly been scouted by two professional teams, and her future is one to watch!

Mahiru’s segment ends, and the focus shifts to an interview with the coach. I feel like I’ve seen him before—oh, right, he was the girls’ volleyball coach when I was at Kita High. That’s kinda nostalgic.

After that, Mahiru doesn’t get any more spotlight, and the segment wraps up.

That was our special feature. Up next, tomorrow’s weather—

The broadcast cuts back to the studio, and the announcer moves to the weather segment. Most people, including me, turn away from the TV.

“Wow, that was amazing! I’m still all tingly!”

Mom keeps working with a sparkle in her eyes for a while after.

“Why’re you all tingly?”

“Because Mahiru-chan being on TV is such a big deal!”

“Well, sure, but…”

Technically, the segment was about Kita High, not just Mahiru, but since she’s someone we know, our eyes were glued to her. Same for me, honestly.

“Hey, Mom, do you know Hanayama Koharu?”

When I ask about the name from the segment, Mom looks at me like I’m crazy.

“You don’t know Koharun?”

“I feel like I’ve heard the name before. She’s a volleyball player, right?”

“She’s a volleyball player from Kita High, and a national team member!”

“From Kita High?”

“I think she was two years below you. Honestly, this kid—”

Two years below me… so a first-year when I was a third-year. Oh!

It clicks. Hanayama Koharu. My best friend’s girlfriend. That’s why the name sounded familiar. I don’t clearly recall if we ever talked, but I remember she was one of the most stunning girls in school, no question.

To think she’s now a professional athlete and a national team member.

“Hey, clear that table over there.”

“Got it.”

Just then,

“Man, that girl was cute, huh?”

“Yeah, the captain.”

I overhear two college-aged guys at the window table talking.

“She was like an idol.”

“Totally.”

“…”

They quickly move on to talking about their classes, confirming they’re probably university students.

What’s this feeling…?

They were just sharing their thoughts on the show. But for some reason, a murky unease clouds my heart.

I felt this during Mahiru’s interview too. I was worried about her, but I didn’t notice then that alongside the worry, this weird feeling was swirling inside me.

What is this…?

＊

The girls’ volleyball clubroom.

“Whoa!”

“Whoa!”

“Whoa!”

The team members, who’d paused practice to crowd around the TV, erupt into excited squeals as their segment ends.

“No way, it actually aired!”

“We were on TV!”

“Didn’t Mahiru-senpai seem super nervous?”

“Her voice was, like, higher than usual.”

“S-Shut up! Anyone would be nervous with a camera in their face!”

Still, I feel like I rambled a lot during the interview, but they only aired a tiny bit. Or maybe it just felt long because I was so nervous.

“Alright, you lot, break’s over. Back to practice.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Urged by the coach, the team shuffles out of the clubroom.

“Oh, rain.”

It was cloudy all morning, but now it’s starting to drizzle. Crap, I forgot my umbrella. Hopefully it stops by the time practice is over.

Maybe because we saw ourselves on TV, everyone seems a bit distracted during the post-break practice.

“Come on, everyone, focus!”

Even as I say it, I can feel myself being oddly tense. My usual movements aren’t quite there. Is it because my interview was on TV?

No, that’s not it.

It’s Friday. Tomorrow, Asaka will be back from Kanagawa. Coming to this town to see Yuu-nii…

Practice ends just before eight. I shower and change.

“Ugh, I’m starving.”

The rain’s coming down hard now, pounding the ground so loudly I can hear it inside. What should I do? Maybe ask Mom to pick me up.

I check my phone and see a message from Yuu-nii. He watched the segment and sent his thoughts. I told him about it myself, but knowing he saw it makes me a little embarrassed.

As soon as I mark it read, another message pops up.

Practice just ended?

Yeah.

Good work.

But it’s raining, so I can’t head home yet.

What’s up?

Forgot my umbrella.

I’ll come pick you up then.

Really?

Wait in front of the gym.

Okay!

I feel a bit bad, like I indirectly asked for a ride, but I’m happy to see Yuu-nii.

After locking up the clubroom, I step outside.

It’s pouring.

To spot the car easily, I stand under the eaves of the second gymnasium. Then I notice a familiar figure.

A tall, muscular guy stands under the streetlight. Short, buzzed-up soft mohawk, dressed in basketball practice gear. It’s Serizawa.

“Yo, Serizawa.”

“Oh, Ryuushaku.”

“What’re you doing out here?”

Did he forget his umbrella too and is waiting for a ride? No, he’s holding a closed umbrella in his right hand.

“Waiting for Rin.”

He glances toward the first gymnasium, where the girls’ basketball team is cleaning up after practice.

“Oh, your girlfriend?”

“Idiot, it’s not like that!”

His face flushes red up to his ears, and he crosses his arms, looking away.

Everyone at school knows Serizawa and Hanayama Rin are dating, but they seem to think they’re keeping it a secret. Whenever someone teases them, they insist, We’re not dating! or It’s not like that! But just the other day, a junior from the volleyball team saw them eating lunch together behind the school building.

Both Serizawa and Rin have retired from their clubs, but since he was the basketball team captain and she was vice-captain, they occasionally show up to help with practice.

I get it. He’s probably waiting near the second gym instead of the first to avoid teammates teasing him about waiting for Rin.

“Don’t get all shy on me.”

I’m jealous of Serizawa—being mutually in love with someone you like.

“A-Anyway, Ryuushaku, you done with practice? Must be tough staying so late.”

“Wow, you’re terrible at changing the subject.”

“Shut up, just drop it already.”

“Alright, alright, my bad.”

“You waiting for someone to pick you up, Ryuushaku?”

“Yeah, forgot my umbrella.”

“Must be rough, staying late every day.”

“Well, we’ve got Spring High coming up, so…”

“If you’re going that far, you better win it all.”

“You say that like it’s so easy.”

“I mean, you’re the great Ryuushaku-sama, scouted by pros and all.”

“It’s not like I’ve decided to go with them or anything.”

At that moment, a flash lit up my vision for a split second. A few seconds later, a thunderous roar like a beast’s growl echoed through.

“That struck pretty close.”

“Oh, yeah, Rin mentioned this, but the Kumamoto Empress team that scouted you? That’s the same team her older sister’s on.”

“What?! Really?”

“Yeah, you’ve never heard of Hanayama Koharu?”

“I know Hanayama Koharu, but… wait, Hanayama?!”

“Yup, she’s Rin’s older sister.”

“No way!”

“You didn’t know?”

“I knew Rin had an older sister, but Hanayama Koharu? She never mentioned that even once.”

“…I don’t know the details, but it sounds like they’re not exactly close.”

“Huh.”

Rin and I were in the same class back in our first year. She’s a bright girl who gets along with everyone so easily, so it’s surprising to hear she’s not on great terms with her own sister.

Just then, mixed with the sound of the rain, I heard a deep, rumbling engine noise that seemed to vibrate in my gut. Headlights approached. It was Yuu-nii’s car. The Civic pulled up along the curb by the tree-lined path.

＊

Countless raindrops poured from a pitch-black sky, like ink spilled across a canvas. The steady zaa of the rain mixed with the occasional low rumble of thunder. The wipers were in overdrive, frantically sweeping back and forth across the windshield.

I entered the school through the west gate and drove straight down the tree-lined path toward the east gate. As expected, no students were practicing outside in this rain, but I could see a few lit windows scattered across the school building.

I parked the car by the curb in front of the gym.

I reached for my phone on the passenger seat to let Mahiru know I’d arrived. That’s when, through the window, I spotted two high school students standing under the gym’s eaves.

In that instant, the relentless patter of rain that had been echoing in my ears faded away, and the world went silent.

“That’s…”

One of them was Mahiru.

And next to her was a tall male student, clearly an athlete, with a sporty vibe. They were chatting, smiling, looking all cozy and close.

Staying late like this, just the two of them on a rainy night… no way…

“No way, seriously?”

Hearing my own muttered words, sound finally returned to the world. The rain hammering the car felt oddly cold.

So, the time has finally come, huh?

A strange sweat trickled down my sides, and a sickening feeling churned in my stomach.

Mahiru’s not a kid anymore. Sure, she’s busy with club activities, but she’s a blushing high school girl in the prime of her youth. I knew this day would come eventually, but I wasn’t prepared at all. It felt like I’d stumbled upon something I shouldn’t have seen.

Mahiru has a boyfriend?

Shouldn’t I be happy for her?

That cheeky girl who’s always teasing me, Mahiru, has a boyfriend…

The same feeling I had earlier, watching the Kita High girls’ volleyball team feature at the shop, hit me again. An indescribable, perplexing emotion I couldn’t put into words.

Mahiru came running over, giving a light wave to the boy under the eaves.

The door clicked open, and Mahiru’s smiling face peeked in.

“Thanks, Yuu-nii!”

“Y-Yeah.”

Mahiru slipped quickly into the passenger seat. She must’ve just showered; a faint, pleasant shampoo scent wafted over.

“Totally forgot to check the weather forecast.”

“Y-Yeah.”

What do I do?

Asking her outright feels kind of tactless, but I can’t suppress my curiosity.

“Oh, right. Don’t you need to give that kid a ride too?”

“That kid?”

Mahiru gave me a puzzled look.

“You know, the boy over there.”

I glanced at the male student left standing under the eaves.

“Oh, Serizawa? Why?”

Mahiru tilted her head.

“Well, I mean…”

So, she wants to keep their relationship under wraps, huh? Some couples prefer not to go public. Back when I was in high school, there were plenty of those types around.

But for Mahiru, who’s always so open, to hide something like this from me… does she care about him that much?

It’s like the feeling of a father giving away his daughter.

Mahiru, who’s been like a little sister to me since she was a kid, has feelings for some guy I don’t even know—and she’s keeping it from me.

“It’s fine. He’s waiting for his girlfriend.”

“Huh?”

Did she just say girlfriend?

No, wait, the girlfriend’s you, right? I almost said it but swallowed my words. A high school girl in a tracksuit came jogging from the direction of the first gym and joined the boy under the eaves.

“Oh, look, she’s here.”

A girl with black, semi-long hair. The boy opened an umbrella, and she slipped under it. And just like that, they started sharing it, disappearing into the rain together.

“…”

Wait, did I just completely misread this?

“Those two…”

“Like I said, he was just waiting for his girlfriend. I just happened to be taking shelter there too.”

“Oh, that’s how it is.”

So, it was all a big misunderstanding on my part.

“Phew.”

I let out a breath, realizing how deeply relieved I felt. Is this what fatherly instincts are like?

“What’s with you, Yuu-nii?”

“Huh? Oh, I just thought that guy was your boyfriend for a second.”

“What?!”

Mahiru’s brows shot up, clearly annoyed.

“W-What are you even saying?!”

“I mean, it’s late, and you two were alone there, so I just assumed…”

Mahiru let out a heavy sigh.

“Like I told you before, I don’t have a boyfriend.”

“R-Really?”

Her tone sounded a bit grumpy. Maybe she’s sensitive about not having a boyfriend.

“Mahiru.”

“What?”

“Don’t worry about it. Someone like you’ll have a boyfriend in no time—ow, ow, ow, ow!”

Mahiru pinched my cheek hard. Seems like I stepped on a major landmine.

“You’re so annoying!”

“Sorry, sorry!”

Feeling the sting in my cheek, I started the car.

“Wanna grab some food?”

“Nah, I’m good. Mom’s waiting at home.”

“Oh, right. I saw the feature, by the way. Getting on TV is pretty impressive.”

“Oh, yeah.”

“Of course, I recorded it.”

“What?! Why would you do that?!”

Mahiru’s face turned red.

“Come on, it’s a big deal. You were on TV.”

“Ugh, Yuu-nii, seriously.”

“I’m gonna show it to Miya and Asaka tomorrow.”

Miya usually comes over to study, but she had a club meeting today for some mystery movie they’re making for the culture festival, so she didn’t show up.

Those two will definitely be shocked to hear Mahiru made her terrestrial TV debut. Miya might already know, though.

“Asaka’s coming over tomorrow afternoon, so I’ll have to pick her up. You got practice tomorrow too, Mahiru?”

“Y-Yeah, in the afternoon.”

“Cool, maybe we can all grab dinner together later.”

“Sounds good.”

Before long, we arrived at the Ryuushaku house.

“We’re here!”

I glanced over, but Mahiru didn’t make a move to get out.

“Mahiru?”

＊

“Yuu-nii, I don’t really wanna go home yet.”

I said, staring out the window.

“Huh?”

“I wanna keep driving for a bit.”

“Hm, sure thing.”

Ten minutes alone with Yuu-nii feels way too short. Especially when we finally got some time just the two of us.

“Alright, let’s cruise around then.”

Yuu-nii didn’t even hesitate and started the car. I sent a quick LINE to Mom saying I’d be late.

The car headed onto the bypass. Tons of cars were zooming through the rain. Along the way, Yuu-nii stopped at a convenience store and grabbed us some drinks.

The sweet fizz of cola soaked into my tired body.

The pendant Yuu-nii gave me, tucked inside my practice clothes, felt hot. The part touching my skin should be cold, but somehow, it burned.

The car headed toward Yamanashi along the Ootsuki Line. Suddenly, memories of our camping trip with everyone flashed through my mind.

Back then, I didn’t know Asaka was after Yuu-nii, and we all just had fun together. It was only a few weeks ago, but it feels like a distant memory.

I wonder what Yuu-nii thinks of Asaka.

They got so close to crossing that line, but does he still see her as just a little sister figure? I know Yuu-nii’s not the type to give in to temptation easily, but still, after something like that, there’s no way he doesn’t think about her differently.

I have to do something before Yuu-nii accepts Asaka’s resolve…

Tomorrow, Asaka’s coming back here. She’s definitely going to try to seduce Yuu-nii again. But what can I do?

“By the way, have you decided between Hokkaido or Kumamoto?”

Yuu-nii asked.

“…Not yet.”

“North and south, total opposites, huh? Since Asuka-san’s from Kumamoto, maybe that’s the better choice?”

“Haha.”

I dodged the question by sipping my cola.

“For now, I gotta focus on Spring High.”

“Yeah, our team lost in the first round back in my day, so you gotta make up for us.”

“Hold up, you were in the basketball club, Yuu-nii.”

“True, but still.”

Eventually, the car pulled into the Asagiri Plateau rest stop. The parking lot had a few campers and minivans. Probably because of the rain, no one was outside.

Neither of us made a move to get out. It’d mean getting wet, and the rainy night felt a little creepy.

“So, during the TV shoot, did they have those big fluffy mics and stuff?”

“No fluffiness included, huh?”

“Guess not.”

Just having aimless conversations like this, why does it make my heart feel so warm?

“Still, that’s pretty amazing, being on TV and all.”

“Yuu-nii, you wanna be on TV too?”

“Nah, not at all.”

Yuu-nii declared it flat-out.

“It’d be embarrassing, you know.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

I wished this moment could last forever.

With that heartfelt wish, we spent our time in the rain.

“—Alright, shall we get going?”

“Huh? Already?”

“Already? It’s already ten o’clock, you know.”

“Oh, you’re right.”

Glancing at the car navigation display, it was already just before ten.

“Time to head back?”

“Yeah.”

They say fun times fly by, but to think just talking ate up nearly an hour. I downed the last bit of cola left in the PET bottle, but the fizz was long gone.

I still hadn’t had my fill of talking, and there was so much more I wanted to say.

More than anything, I hadn’t talked about the important stuff yet.

The scout, Asaka.

I wanted to tell Yuu-nii, and only Yuu-nii, that I have no intention of joining the professional team.

Maybe because it was late at night, the roads back were clear, and we reached the city in no time. If we kept going like this, we’d be at my house in a flash.

What should I start with? I need to organize my thoughts.

Everything was swirling around in my head, all jumbled up.

Asaka.

The scout.

Shonan’s night.

The professional team.

“Hey, Yuu-nii.”

“Hm?”

“I like you.”

“…Huh?”